How to Get Your Pool or Spa Ready for the Shift from Summer to Fall: A Full Guide

While it’s hard to accept, summer will soon come to an end. With children heading back to school in the next few weeks, you might start thinking about how to prepare your pool or spa for the changing season. Cooler months offer a nice break from the heat, but they also bring new challenges for keeping your pool or spa in good shape. The good news? By following the right steps, you can keep enjoying your backyard escape well into fall while making sure it stays in top condition.

Whether you want to keep your spa warm and welcoming or get your pool ready for cooler weather, this guide has all the information you need to make the seasonal switch smooth.

Enjoy Your Spa All Year Long

One of the best parts of owning a spa is that you don’t have to limit its use to summer. As the weather gets cooler, your spa becomes even more appealing—a warm, bubbly spot where you can relax under the stars or enjoy crisp fall nights.

Why Spas Shine in Fall:

• Cozy Warmth:Heated water and hydrotherapy jets make your spa the perfect place to unwind as temperatures drop.
• Stress Relief:Fall can be a busy time, especially when adjusting daily routines, but a soak in your spa can help ease tension and improve sleep quality.
• Staying Connected:Spas are great for small get-togethers or quality time with family—even when the pool is closed for the season.

To keep your spa ready for use, make sure to maintain it properly. Test the water’s chemical balance regularly, clean the filters, and use a high-quality cover to trap heat and keep debris out.

Keeping Your Pool Usable Into Fall

While pools are often linked to summer, there are ways to keep using yours as the weather cools down. With a few simple adjustments, you can extend your pool time and get the most out of your backyard.

1. Heating Solutions:Getting a pool heater lets you keep the water at a comfortable temperature, even when the air feels cool. Whether you’re swimming laps or hosting a fall pool gathering, a heater ensures your pool stays inviting.
2. Heat-Retaining Covers:A good pool cover is a must for cooler weather. It helps hold in heat, cuts down on water evaporation, and keeps debris like falling leaves out of the water.
3. Lighting for Shorter Days:As daylight hours get shorter, adding or upgrading LED lights can let you use the pool into the evening—or even make early-morning swims possible. It also creates a lovely atmosphere for nighttime swims or gatherings.

Adjusting Water Chemistry for Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, the chemical balance of your pool or spa water will change. Staying on top of these adjustments is key to keeping the water clean and safe.

1. Test Water Often:Cooler weather slows down chemical reactions, but you still need to test your water every week. Check pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to make sure they’re in the ideal range:
   • pH:2–7.8
   • Alkalinity:80–120 ppm
   • Chlorine:1–3 ppm
2. Use Stabilizers:Cyanuric acid helps keep chlorine from breaking down under UV light—even when there’s less sunlight.
3. Add Algaecide:Algae can become a problem when you use the pool less often. Adding algaecide prevents growth and keeps your water clear.

If you’re unsure about your water’s chemistry, bring a sample to a local showroom for free professional testing. Experts can give you personalized advice to keep your pool or spa balanced and fix any current issues.

Key Maintenance Tasks for Fall

Even if you use your pool less than you did in summer, it’s still important to stick to a regular maintenance schedule. Here are some essential tasks to take care of:

1. Clean and Check Equipment:
   • Clean filters, skimmers, and pumps to ensure they work efficiently.
   • Inspect equipment for wear and tear, and fix any problems before they get worse.
2. Clear Debris:
   • Falling leaves and debris can clog filters and lead to algae growth. Skim your pool regularly, and consider using a leaf net or cover to reduce the amount of debris that gets in.
3. Look for Leaks:
   • Small leaks can turn into bigger issues over time. If you think there’s a leak, contact local pool and spa professionals for expert detection and repair.

For a more detailed maintenance guide, click here.

Preparing for Winterization (If Needed)

If you plan to close your pool or spa for the season, you’ll need to do a proper winterization process to prevent damage and make reopening easier in spring.

When to Winterize:

• Pools:Winterize when temperatures stay below freezing or when you no longer plan to use the pool.
• Spas:If you won’t use your spa in winter, it’s best to drain and winterize it to avoid freezing damage.

Steps for Winterizing a Pool:

• Lower the water level to below the skimmer.
• Clean the pool thoroughly and add winterizing chemicals.
• Cover the pool securely to protect it from debris and freezing temperatures.

Steps for Winterizing a Spa:

• Drain the spa and clean the interior.
• Remove water from pipes and equipment to prevent freezing.
• Use a high-quality cover to protect the spa during winter.

Doing this correctly is important, so many local providers offer professional winterization services—letting you check the task off your list and leave it to experts.

Why Trust Local Professionals for Seasonal Pool and Spa Care?

Local pool and spa experts are dedicated to helping you enjoy your pool or spa all year long. From free water testing to professional maintenance and winterization, they provide everything you need to make the seasonal transition stress-free.